Pipe line coating and wrapping machine



Sept. 28, 1954 PERRAULT 2,690,157

- PIPE LINE COATING AND WRAPPING MACHINE Filed April 17, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

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L. PERRAULT PIPE LINE COATING AND WRAPPING MACHINE Sept. 28, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 17, 1950 INVENTOR. lama/M N ww wm Sept. 28, 1954 L. PERRAULT 2,690,157

PIPE LINE COATING AND WRAPPING :MACHINE Filed April 17. 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

Sept. 28, 1954 PERRAULT 2,690,157

PIPE LINE COATING AND WRAPPING MACHINE Filed April 17, 1950 s Sheets-Sheet 4 j as /92 IN V EN TOR.

mid/KM Sept? 28, 1954 L. PERRAULT 2,690,157

PIPE LINE COATING AND WRAPPING MACHINE Filed April 17, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

Patented Sept. 28, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PIPE LINE COATING AND WRAPPING MACHINE 1 Claim. 1

This invention relates to improvements in pipe coating and wrapping machines and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a combination pipe coating and wrapping machine.

Most of the present day pipe coating and wrapping machines are provided with a non-rotating coating material applicator, such as a coating shoe, usually carried in the central frame section, as well as one or more revolving wrapping spindles disposed on the rear portion of the machine. The machines are generally adapted to be self-propelled along a length of pipe by a mechanical drive system, and the speed of rotation of the wrapping spindles is regulated with respect to the rectilinear speed of the machine by gear reducers or the like. There is obviously an appreciable time interval between the application of the coating material and the application of the protective wrapping material. Ihis time interval, which is determined by the speed of the machine, and the distance between the coating applicators, and the Wrapping spindles, sometimes causes the coating material to run unevenly on the pipe before the protective wrapping is applied thereon. This is particularly so during the hot summer months, and a large percentage of the coating material or bitumen runs off of the pipe onto the ground, consequently an even or efficient application of the bitumen is not obtained. When it is desired to change the rectilinear speed of the present machines, or the rotational speed of the Wrap-ping spindles, it is frequently necessary to change the gears in the mechanical drive systems. In addition, most of the present day machines of this character are adapted to perform only one of the many types of coating and wrapping operations, therefore when a diiierent type of operation is desired, a different machine must be used.

The present invention contemplates a combination pipe coating and wrapping machine of the type that may be self-propelled along a length of pipe. Furthermore, the machine is disposed concentrically on a length of pipe, and is provided with a hydraulically driven rotating head portion on the rear end thereof. The rotating head portion carries diametrically opposed wrapping spindles capable of being easily adjusted to obtain a variable number of wraps of protective covering on the pipe. The rotating head portion also carries coating material applicators, in spaced relationship with the wrappmg spindles, capable of being adjusted to apply a variable number of layers of coating material of the desired thickness on the pipe. The coating material applica- 2 tors are so arranged with respect to the wrapping spindles, that the application of the protective wrapping is substantially simultaneous with the application of the coating material. The coating material, or bitumen, is transferred from a annular storage chamber having a pair of apertures communicating with conduits leading to the rotating applicators.

An important object of this invention is to provide an improved combination pipe coating and wrappin machine capable of applying a layer of coating material of predetermined and uniform thickness on a length of pipe, and a spirally wound protective covering superimposed on the coating material, substantially simultaneously with the application of the coating.

Another object of this invention is to reduce to a minimum the losses of coating material after it has been applied on a pipe.

Another object of this invention is to provide a combination pipe coating and wrapping machine capable of being easily adjusted to apply several different combinations of coating material and protective covering on a pipe.

A further object of this invention is to provide a combination pipe coating and wrapping machine having a hydraulic drive and control system.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an efiicient and durable pipe coating and wrapping machine.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate my invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the pipe coating and wrapping machine with the communicating hydraulic conduits removed for clarity.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 of the opposite side of the machine with portions of the machine removed.

Figure 3 is an elevational view of the left end end of the machine as illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional View of one end of the machine taken on line 44 of Figure 3 with the rotatable head portion in a position approximately ninety degrees from the position shown in Figure 3 for clarity.

Figure 5 is a partial top view of the machine with the hydraulic piping removed.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of a coating material applicator.

Figure '7 is an elevational View of the left end of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a detail of the control tube for the coating material applicator.

Figure 9 is a schematic drawing of the hydraulic system.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and particularly Figure 1, reference character 2 designates a pipe coating and wrapping machine generally, having a base or supporting frame l. The base 4 is preferably (although not limited there to) in the form of a box constructed out of angle iron members (5. An essentially V-shaped sump tank 3 (Fig. 3) is disposed within the confines of the base 4 for purposes as will hereinafter be set forth.

A suitable hydraulic motor it is supported on one side of the base 4 (Fig. l) by a bracket member l2, and the motor is drivingly connected to a dope, or coating material supply pump M of any suitable type also supported on the base A by a bracket IS. The pump M is preferably a rotary pump and communicates by conduit i8 with the sump 3. A conduit 20 provides communication with a conventional dope pot (not shown) usually disposed adjacent the machine 2 when the machine is mounted upon the pipe (not shown) to be coated and wrapped. The dope pot is adapted to be transported alongside the machine 2 and contains a suitable pipe coating material, such as bitumen, commonly called dope, heated in the pot to the desired temperature. It is apparent that the pump is provided to transfer the coating material from the dope pot to the pump 8, or conversely, from the sump 8 to the dope pot as desired.

Rigidly secured to the forward end 22 of the frame base 4 are a pair of spaced and upwardly extending support members 24 for supporting an upper frame section indicated generally at 26. A pair of strut members 21 are provided between the supports 24 and the frame 26 for additional strength. The top frame section 26 (Fig. 1) is composed of a pair of longitudinally or axially disposed and spaced pipes 28 interconnected by a pair of smaller pipes 30. The pipes 28 and 38 form the upper frame and also serve as a storage tank for hydraulic fluid for a purpose as well as hereinafter set forth. Each pipe 28 is provided with a covered vertical extension 21 in the central portion thereof having a breather pipe 3 l, to increase the storage capacity of the pipes and to allow fluctuations in the fluid level. It is apparent that the apparatus is not limited to the above disclosure, and the frame 26 could be constructed out of any suitably shaped members and a separate hydraulic fluid storage tank could be supported thereon if desired.

Provided between the pipes 23 (Fig. 5) is an internal combustion engine 32 of any suitable type supported on the pipes 30 by the braces 33.

The engine 32 is provided with a suitable clutch 36 and drive shaft 38. Rigidly secured on the drive shaft 38 is a sprocket 39 engaging a continuous chain 42. The chain 42 is connected to a similar sprocket 44 secured on a pump shaft 45 in order to drive a hydraulic pump 36 for purposes as will be hereinafter set forth. The pump 46 is supported on the top frame 26 by a bracket 48. The drive shaft 38 is connected by a coupling 59 to a pair of hydraulic pumps 52 and 5G, also supported on the frame 26 by a suitable brace 56.

At the forward end of each of the pipes 23 (Figs. 2 and 5) a vertical brace 58 is provided supporting a horizontally disposed plate ell. The plate 69 is provided with a plurality of depending straps 62 connected to a transversely disposed pipe (not shown). Rotatably disposed in the transversely disposed pipe is a shaft 66 (Figs. 1 and 2) having a pair of pulleys 58 rigidly secured on one end 70 (Fig. 1) thereof and a single pulley l2 rigidly secured on the opposite end 14 (Fig. 2) thereof. One of the pulleys 63 is connected by a cable 16 to a drum l8 rotatably secured to one of the support members 24 by a bracket 80. The drum i8 is adapted to be rotated manually by a suitable hand crank (not shown) through a system of worm gears shown generally at 82. The pulley l2 and the remain ing pulley 68 are each provided with a cable 3 3 connected at its opposite end to a triangularshaped plate 85. Each plate 86 is connected by a plurality of springs 88 to a similarly shaped plate 90. The plates 90 are also connected by chains 92 to the forward edge 9 of a platform 96 which is pivotally secured to the forward end 22 of the base 4 by a pair of hinges 98, and is provided with a pair of transversely aligned pillow blocks We on the upper surface 32 thereof. Rotatably disposed in the pillow blocks ltt is a shaft i0 3 having an idler roller its rigidly secured thereon between the blocks. The outer surface of the roller we is beveled (not shown) to conform to the outer surface of the pipe (not shown) to be coated which will extend longitudinally through the machine 2 as is well known in the art. It is readily seen that the vertical position of the roller [E38 may be adjusted as desired by turning the drum it to provide proper counterbalancing for machine on the pipe.

Rigidly secured to the under surface of the pipes 28 are two pairs of transversely aligned pillow blocks H98 (Fig. l) disposed in longitudinal spaced relation. Rotatably disposed in each pair of the aligned blocks lflil is a shaft iii) having an arcuately shaped roller or wheel H2 rigidly secured thereon between the bearings. The wheels I 52 are adapted to contact the upper surface of a pipe (not shown) extending longitudinally for driving the machine along the pipe through the machine. The shafts Hll are connected to a pair of geared reduction units H 3 (Fig. 2) interconnected by a shaft H8 and secured to one of the pipes 28 by suitable brackets MS. The reduction units H4, and hence the wheels H2, are driven by a hydraulic crawler motor 26 supported on one of the pipes 23 by a bracket I22.

Provided on the rear end of each pipe as is a flange i2 5 (Fig. l) bolted to a yoke member llfi extending downwardly on the opposite sides of the machine. The yoke I26 is also connected to a pair of flanges I28 secured to the forward ends of a pair of longitudinally disposed nipples 530. The nipples I39 are provided with similar flanges 532 on their opposite ends. lhe flanges H32 are connected to a yoke member ISL! having an outwardly extending flange 36 (Fig. 4) ad jacent its outer periphery, and an outwardly extending flange 38 in the opposite direction and in spaced relation to the flange I36 for purposes as will be hereinafter set forth.

The yoke members I26 and I34 are maintained in spaced relation by a plurality of circumferentially spaced nipples I40 having flanges I42 on plurality of circumferentially arranged roller shafts I44 extending outwardly therefrom in a direction toward the coating shoes which is the rear of the machine. Rotatably disposed on each shaft I44 is an arcuately shaped roller I46 (Fig. 4) for supporting an annular shaped ring member I48. Rigidly secured on the outer periphery of the ring I48 is a chain I5!) in meshing engagement with a sprocket I52 (Fig. 1). The sprocket I52 is preferably enclosed by a housing I54 secured to the yoke member I34, and the sprocket I 52 is secured to one end of a drive shaft I56. The shaft I56 is rotatably supported by a bearing member I58 secured to the yoke member I 64, and is coupled at I59 to the drive shaft I 66 of a hydraulic motor I64. The hydraulic motor I 64 is supported on the yoke member I26 by a bracket I66.

It is apparent that during operation of the hydraulic motor I 64, the rotational movement imparted to the drive shaft I56 will be transmitted through the medium of the sprocket I52 and chain I52 to cause rotation of the ring I48 on the rollers I46 (Figs. 3 and 4).

The ring I48 is provided with a circumferential shoulder I66 on the rear face thereof adapted to receive a plurality of stud bolts I16. The bolts 116 are provided to secure a plurality (preferably four, but not limited thereto) of diametrically opposed radial extensions I12 of an adapter ring I14 to the shoulder I68. The adapter ring I14 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially arranged spaced apertures I16 for receiving shafts I18. Threaded onto the rear end I86 of each shaft I18 is a nut I82 retaining a cylindrical apertured housing I84 in alignment on the shaft. Provided in each housing I24 is a helical spring I 86 contacting the rear face of the ring I14 and continually exerting a rearward force on the respective shafts I16 for purposes as will be hereinafter set forth.

The opposite end I62 of each shaft I18 is rigidly secured to an annular ring I90 rotatably disposed in an annular dope housing I92 having rearwardly extending circumferential flanges I64 and I 96 adjacent the inner and outer peripheries respectively thereof to provide a chamber I91. A pair of bearing strips I98 and 266 are secured to the rear face of the ring I96 adjacent the inner and outer peripheries respectively thereof. The strip I98 is in sliding contact with a forwardly extending flange 262 formed on the outer periphery of an annular plate 204 secured to the flange I94. The opposite bearing strip 266 is in sliding contact with a forwardly extending flange 226 formed on the inner periphery of an annular plate 268 secured to the flange I 96 of the housing I92.

A predetermined number of the shafts I18 are each provided with bushings 2! connected to the ring I14 by braces 2I2 (Fig. 4) to increase the strength of the shafts. Preferably eight shafts are utilized, but not limited thereto, and any suitable number may be used. The dope chamber I91 is disposed against the rear face of the yoke member I26 and is secured thereto by a plurality of bolts 2I4. Provided in the top of the flange I96 is a dope inlet aperture 2I6 adapted to receive one end of a conduit 2I6 (Fig. 2) communicating with the discharge side of a dope circulating pump 22!.) secured to the base 4 by a bracket 222. The pump 226 is driven by a hydraulic motor 224 also secured to the base 4 by a bracket 226. The inlet side of the pump 22!) is connected by a conduit 228 to the sump tank 8. The dope chamber I91 is also provided with an outlet aperture 236 (Fig. 4) in the lower portion of the flange I96 communicating with a drain valve 232 directly over the sump tank 8. The valve 232 is closed during the normal operation of the machine 2, and is provided only for the purpose of draining the dope chamber 91.

It is readily seen that the previously mentioned rotational movement of the ring I48 will be transmitted to the ring I14, and the plurality of shafts I18 to cause simultaneous rotation of the annular ring I9!) disposed in the dope housing I92. The rearward force of the springs I86 acting on the shafts I 18 and the ring I will retain the bearing strips I98 and 26B firmly in contact with the flanges 262 and 206 to preclude leakage from the dope chamber I91.

Preferably two, although not limited thereto, of the diametrically opposed adapter ring extensions !12 have secured thereto conventional type wrapping spindles 234 (Fig. 1) adapted to receive spools (not shown) of any suitable protective wrapping material for covering the pipe. When it is desired to apply a double wrap of protective covering on a pipe, a suitable spacer 236 may be placed between one of the'spindles 234 and its respective adapter ring extension I12. Since the greatest number of wraps of protective covering usually desired to be applied on a pipe is two, only two spindles have been shown. It is to be understood, however, that a greater number of spindles may be utilized if desired.

In spaced relation to each wrapping spindle 234 is a shaft 238 extending rearwardly of the machine and rigidly secured to the adapter rin 12 in any suitable manner. Rotatably disposed on each shaft 238 is a coating material weir or shoe 222 having apertured brackets 242 (Fig. 7) on the opposite ends thereof for receiving the shaft 236. The brackets 242 (Figs. 6 and '1) are rigidly secured to the opposite ends of the cylindrical body portions 244 of the applicator 249. Each body 246 is provided with an inlet 246 and an outlet 248 in one side thereof. A longitudinal slot 256 is provided in the side opposite to the inlet side of the body 244 for each coating shoe 246 to provide a smaller body 252 partially disposed in the longitudinal slot or gap 252 of the shoe 244. A plurality of longitudinal slots (not shown) are provided in the portion 253 of the body 252 that is disposed within the respective body 2224 providing communication therebetween. An open side of the body 252 is slotted in a manner (not shown) for receiving a nozzle 254 rigidly secured therein, and having an outer tapered edge 256 for purposes as will be hereinafter set forth (Figs. 6 and '7). The outer edge 256 of the nozzle 254 for each shoe 246 is curved and provided with an elongated rectangular opening 258 adapted to be disposed adjacent the pipe 7 (not shown) extending longitudinally through the machine. On the nozzle 254 at the side opposite the opening 258 and parallel to the outer edge 255, is a longitudinally disposed rod 266 of greater length than the nozzle for purposes as will hereinafter be set forth.

The opposite ends of body 244 are enclosed, while one end 262 of body 252 is closed, and the opposite end 264 thereof is provided with a nut 266, partially threaded to receive an externally threaded bushing 28% (Fig. 6) and is adapted to have rotatably disposed therein a circular plate 210 (Fig. 8) between the bushing 238 and the end 264 of the member 252. A control tube 212 is connected with the plate 210 and extends into the body member 252. The opposite end 214 of the tube 212 is enclosed and disposed within proximity to the end 262 of the circular body 252 on each weir 248. A plurality of longitudinal slots 215 are provided in tube 2'l2 communicating with the body 244. The tube 212 is also provided with a plurality of triangular-shaped openings 21% adapted to be placed into communication with the nozzle 254 as will be hereinafter set forth.

A control rod 282 is secured to the plate 2H: and extends through the bushing 2% (Figs. 6 and 8). Each rod 282 is provided with an elongated slot 284 in the central portion thereof having a pin (not shown) loosely disposed therein. An apertured handle 238 is loosely disposed on the rod 282 and held by the pin. Threadedly secured to the free end of the rod 282 is a nut 29c retaining a helical spring 292 against the handle 288 for continually forcing the handle 288 toward the weir 2 50. The bracket 242 nearest the handle 288 is provided with a quadrant 2% extending in the same direction as the weir 2M! and having a plurality of apertures 298 therein arranged on the arc of a circle having its center line in the center of the rod 282. The apertures 296 are provided to receive a stud 293 secured on the handle 288 for maintaining the handle in the desired angular position. To change the angular position of the handle 238 and hence the tube 212, the handle is pulled manually away from the weir 2% against the action of spring 292 and turned to the desired angular position for reinsertion of the stud 293 in a desired aperture 295. It is readily seen that the stud 298 will be retained in the aperture 295 by the tension of the spring 292 on the handle 238.

It will be apparent that a change in the angu' lar position of each control tube 2'52 will enlarge or restrict the communication between the tube 212 and the nozzle 254, depending upon the location of the triangular shaped apertures 218. The position of the tube 212 therefore determines the amount of coating material which may be discharged through the nozzle 254 and hence the thickness of the coat which will be applied to a pipe as will be hereinafter set forth.

Since the coating material once used becomes extremely viscous when allowed to cool, it is desirable to circulate a quantity of heated coating material through the shoes 24:: before the machine 2 is placed in operation. The coating material is supplied to each of the shoes 24%! by a conduit 39B (Figs. 1 and 4) communicating with the inlets 246 and the dope chamber sealing ring I91. Each of the conduits 3% extends through an aperture 381 in the adapter ring I14 and is secured to the sealing ring It!) by a flange 362 in communication with an aperture 3E4 in the sealing ring. A pair of dope return conduits 3B6 communicate with the weir outlets 248 and extend through apertures 30'! in the adapter ring I'M. Each conduit 3% has an L joint 308 on the discharge end thereof turned toward the outwardly extending flange I38 of the yoke member I36. When the machine 2 is shut down for a period long enough for the coating material to cool, the ring I48 may readily be stopped in such a position as in Figure 4, that the Us 308 will be disposed substantially horizontal. It will be then readily seen that the coating material circulated through the weirs 24B and returned through the conduits 3565 will be directed outwardly away from the pipe to be coated and flow down the inner surface of flange I38 to the sump tank 8. During the normal operation of the machine, it is not necessary to return a portion of the coating material which is supplied to the weirs 2 50, therefore a gate valve or the like 3H] is interposed in each conduit 3% which will normally remain closed.

A bolted clamp 352 (Fig. 1) is rigidly clamped on each weir support rod 238 approximately halfway between the respective brackets 242. A helical spring SM is disposed on each rod 238 on both sides of the clamp 352 in contact with the clamp and the adjacent bracket 242 for retaining the weirs 2% in contact with the pipe being coated. The weirs or shoes 2% are retained in the desired longitudinal positions on the support rods 238 by bolted clamps Sit rigidly secured to the rods in contact with the outer faces of the weir brackets 242.

Hydraulic system For purposes of clarity, all of the necessary valves and piping for the control of the various hydraulic motors are illustrated schematically in Figure 9. As previously set forth, the pumps 46, 52 and 5d (Fig. 5) are driven mechanically by an internal combustion engine 32. The inlet 32B of the pump 56 is connected by a suitable conduit 322 to the hydraulic storage in pipes 28. The discharge side 32 3 of the pump do is connected by a suitable conduit 326 to a four-way manually operated valve 328. The valve 328 is also connected by a pair of conduits 33?! and 332 to the dope supply motor iii, and a by-pass or return conduit 33 3 to the hydraulic storage 28. The valve 328 is preferably any suitable type four-way valve, and may direct the fluid supplied by the pump it through either conduit 339 or conduit 332 to the dope motor It and allow the discharge from the motor to return through conduit 3% to the storage tank 28. The valve 328 may also of course be set to by-pass the motor I0 by directing the supply fluid back through return conduit 3% to the tank 28. A relief valve 336 having its discharge side connected by a conduit 338 to the storage body 28 may be interposed in conduit 326 to relieve excessive pressures that may be created therein.

The suction side 3% of the pump 52 is connected by a conduit 342 to the tank 28, and the discharge side 3% by a conduit 3% to another suitable four-way manually operated valve 348. A relief valve 35d having its discharge side connected by a conduit 352 to the tank 28 is also interposed in conduit 34%. The valve 348 is connected by a pair of conduits 354 and 356 to the crawler wheel motor I23, and by a by-pass or return conduit 358 to the tank 28. When the valve 3&8 is set to direct the fluid supplied by the pump 52 through conduit 35 5, the crawler motor I29 will operate to rotate the crawler wheels I I2 and move the machine 2 in a forward direction on the pipe (not shown). Interconnected to the conduit 354 is a conduit 360 communicating with the hydraulic motor I64. Interposed in conduit 366 isa flow control valve 362 for controlling the speed of the motor I94. The opposite side of the motor I64 is connected by a conduit 364 to the housing 29. Interposed in conduit 354 between the interconnection with conduit see and the motor I26 is a flow control valve 356 for controlling the forward speed of the motor I29. It is frequently desirable, when spotting the machine 2 on a length of pipe, to move the machine in a reverse direction without turning the wrapping spindles 234 and the coating material applicators 249. The present machine may be moved in a reverse direction by resetting the valve 348 to direct the fluid supplied by the pump 52 through conduit 356 to turn the crawler motor I20 in a reverse direction. The fluid discharged from the motor I29 through conduit 354 will be returned through conduit 358 to the housing 28. The pressure of the fluid in conduit GM will be less than the presure required to operate the motor I64, therefore the plurality of wrapping spindles 234 and coating material applicators 2 19 will not be rotated about the pipe to be treated. It will be readily understood that the four-Way valve 346 may be set in a third position to by-pass the motors I29 and I64 by directing the fluid supplied, by the pump '52 through conduit 3-58 to the tank 25.

The suction side 368 of the pump 54 is connected by a conduit 3'50 to the housing 28, and the discharge side N2 of the pump 54 is connected by a conduit 3'I4'to valve 376, preferably of the four-way type. A conventional relief valve 3'I8 having its discharge side connected by a conduit 380 to the tank 28 is interposed in conduit 315. The valve 316 is connected by a pair of conduits 3'82 and 384 to the dope material circulating motor 224, and by a return or by-pass conduit 385 to the tank 28. It is readily seen that the valve 3'86 may be set to operate the motor 224 in either direction, or to completely by-pass the motor. While the hydraulic actuation of the coating and wrapping machine is preferred in the present invention, it will be apparent that the machine is not limited thereto and any other suitable actuating or control means may be utilized if desired.

It is apparent that hydraulic piping (not shown) may be arranged on the machine 2 in any suitable manner so that the various valves will be readily accessible for control of the various motors.

Operation In operation, the crawler wheels II2 upon rotation drive the machine 2 over a length of pipe (not shown). The crawler motor I20 and the motor I64 are operated simultaneously in the same direction, to drive the machine forward. The wrapping spindles 234 and the coating material applicators 240 therefore will be rotating around the pipe simultaneously with the forward motion of the entire machine. The spindles 234 and weirs 240 will obviously then be moved in a helical path around the pipe in the usual manner. With the spindles 234 and weirs 240 disposed as shown in Figure 1, a layer of coating material will first be applied on the pipe (not shown) extending longitudinally through the machine with one wrap of protective covering superimposed thereon substantially instantaneous with the application of the coating material.

Since the diametrically opposed spindles and weirs are disposed in longitudinal spaced relation, a second layer of coating material will be applied on the first application of protective covering, and a second wrap of protective covering will be superimposed on the secondly applied layer of coating material as is usual in a double coat and double wrap operation, and is normally the maximum protection provided for a pipe.

As previously set forth, the heated coating material or dope is initially stored in the sump 8 in the lower portion of the machine. The coating material is transferred from the sump 8 through conduits 229 and 2I9 (Figs. 2 and 4) by the pump 229 into the upper end of the stationary dope housing I92. The pump 229 maintains the coating material under pressure in the dope chamber I9? to retain the sealing ring bearing strips I98 and 299 (Fig. 4) in sealing relation with the dope housing face plates 299 and 298 to preclude leakage of the coating material around the sealing ring I99. The springs I86, through the medium of the housings I84. and shafts I18, exert an axial force on the sealing ring I99 to assist in retaining the sealing ring in the correct position in the dope chamber I9'I. Continued discharge of the coating material into dope chamber I97 will cause a discharge through the apertures 399 in the sealing ring I99, and into supply conduits 399 (Figs. 1 and 4) to the respective applicators 240.

During operation, the motor I6 5 (Figs. 1 and 4) through the medium of the sprocket I52, chain I59 and ring I43 rotates the ring I'M around the pipe (not shown). The movement of the ring I74 is imparted by the shafts I78 to simultaneously rotate the sealing ring I and the dope supply conduits 399 connected therewith. The dope return conduits 996 are also moved with the ring I14. Therefore, since the wrapping spindles 239 and the applicators, or shoes, 2 39 are also carried by the ring IIt, a simultaneous rotational movement of the sealing ring I99, dope supply conduits 390, applicators 240 and wrapping spindles 23 i is obtained. It is readily seen that the coating material will be supplied through the apertures 30 3 and dope supply conduits 309 to the applica-,

tors 240 continuously during rotational movement of the sealing ring I99 to provide a continuous application of the coating material on the pipe. The how of coating material through the applicators 249, and hence the thickness of the coat applied on the pipe, may be varied as desired by the control tubes 272 (Figs. 6, 7 and 8) as previously set forth.

As before noted, the wrapping material will be applied in a helical path on the pipe, obviously therefore, a strip of wrapping material being unrolled from one of the wrapping rolls (not shown) normally provided on the spindles 234 will contact the pipe at an oblique angle with respect to the center line of the pipe. The outer edge 256 of each weir nozzle 254 is disposed in contact with the pipe parallel to and adjacent the line of contact between the pipe and the wrapping material, with the wrapping material contacting the rod 269. Referring to Figure '3, the spindles 239 and weirs 240 are rotated around the pipe in a clockwise direction, therefore each weir 240 moves immediately in front of its respective spindle 23% around the pipe. It will thus be apparent that as soon as the coating material is applied to the pipe, it is trapped by the protective covering and will not have the opportunity to run unevenly or run 01f the pipe. A layer of coating material hav- 11 ing uniform thickness is thereby assuredly applied.

The guide rods 260 serve the purpose of guiding the wrapping material evenly onto the pipe, and since the wrapping material is usually applied with a certain amount of overlap, the rods 269 are extended beyond the ends of the weir nozzles 254.

The machine 2 may also be readily adjusted to apply a single layer of coating material having a single wrap of protective covering superimposed thereon. The spacer 236 may be removed to allow the rearmost spindle 234 to be attached directly to the corresponding carrier ring extension I'I2, and the rearmost weir 240 may be adjusted on the respective support rod 238 directly opposite the foremost weir 240. It will then be readily seen that with the proper speed relationship of the crawler motor I26 and the hydraulic motor I64, the weirs 240 will apply a single layer of coating material in a helical path, and a single wrap of protective covering will be superimposed on the coating material.

The supply of the bitumen asphalt coating material from the pressure chamber I97, through the conduit 300 is controlled at each individual weir or coating shoe 240 by adjustment of the control tube 212 (Figure 8). The circular body 252 is provided with a longitudinal slot (not shown) in the upper portion thereof, and communicating with the nozzle 254. The slot cooperates with the plurality of triangular shaped recesses or slots 21% in the control tube 212. It will be apparent that the disposition of the triangular slots 218 relative to the longitudinal slot in the body 252 will determine the amount of dope discharged through the outlet 258. Regulation or control of the slots 218 may be made by the handle 288 relative to the quadrant 294.

The control of the discharged coating material through the weirs provides for variable amounts of coating material that may be applied to the pipe as desired. Furthermore, it is usually desirable to maintain the dope supply pump under a constant pressure, and in order to increase or decrease the thickness of the dope applied to the pipe, it is necessary to adjust or regulate the control tube as above shown.

The machine 2 may also be readily adjusted to apply a single layer of coating material having a single wrap of protective covering superimposed thereon. The spacer 236 may be removed to allow the rearmost spindle 234 to be attached directly to the corresponding carrier ring extension II2, and the rearmost weir 240 may be adjusted on the respective support rod 238 directly opposite the foremost weir 240. It will then be readily seen that with the proper speed relationship of the crawler motor I20 and the hydraulic motor I64, the weirs 240 will apply a single layer of coating material in a helical path, and a single wrap of protective covering will be superimposed on the coating material.

Iri addition to the variable coating and wrapping operations, it will be readily appreciated that several other coating and wrapping operations may be performed with the present machine by simple field adjustments. For example, a double wrap may be superimposed on a single coat of coating material, or coating material and wrapping material may be applied independently.

The speeds of the crawler motor I20 and the hydraulic motor I64 may be readily adjusted by the flow control valves 362 and 366 to obtain the desired relationship of the forward speed of the 12 machine to the rotative speed of the spindles 234 and weirs 240.

As the machine 2 moves along a length of pipe, it will normally remain balanced, but in the event it becomes unbalanced longitudinally, the idler roller I98 may be brought firmly into contact with the lower surface of the pipe to retain the machine in the proper position. Suitable brackets (not shown) may also be provided to receive conventional transversely disposed balancing poles (not shown) in the event the machine tends to turn on the pipe.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present invention contemplates an improved coating and wrapping machine, wherein the machine is adapted to travel longitudinally along the outer periphery of the pipe for applying the protective coating and wrapping materials. The application of the protective materials is such that the coating shoes and wrapping spindles are rotated simultaneously around the pipe upon which the machine is traveling, and the speed of rotation thereof is synchronized with the drive mechanism for maintaining a desired speed of rotation for the coating shoes and wrapping spindles relative to the drive mechanism. Furthermore, the rotation of the coating shoes around the pipe simultaneously with the wrapping spindles is accomplished by the disposition of a coating shoe substantially adjacent or in proximity of its respective wrapping spindle, and particularly Where the coating shoe is moved slightly ahead of its respective wrapping spindle so that the fiowable coating material is applied to the pipe at an instant just prior to the application of the wrapping material from the spindles. In this manner, the flowable coating material is instantaneously trapped by the spirally wound Wrapping material, thereby having the eifect of providing a uniform and efficient layer of coating material on the pipe, as well as main taining it without any considerable loss of the coating material due to flowing from the pipe.

Furthermore, volume of the coating material applied to the pipe may be regulated by adjust ment of the coating shoe in relation to the speed of the rotating coating shoes and wrapping spindles and the speed of travel of the machine taken in conjunction with the size of the pipe being treated. The present invention also contemplates the application of protective covering, both fluid and solid covering material as above set forth in variable aspects of application, such as a single coating and wrapping, or a double coating and wrapping, or variations thereof.

The improved coating and wrapping machine contemplates the simultaneous rotation of the coating shoes with the wrapping spindles, and this is accomplished by the provision of a circular coating material pressure chamber having rotatable outlet means communicating between the pressure chamber and the rotating coating shoes. The rotating outlet means from the pres sure chamber are rotated in synergetic relationship with the rotating gear causing movement of the wrapping spindles about the pipe to be treated. Furthermore, it will be apparent that the present invention applies a desired thickness of coating material to the surface of the pipe without any loss or waste,yet is efficiently utilized in complete cooperation with the wrapping material by the trapping eifect of the wrapping material thereto, and thereby precluding the possibility of holidays in the treating. The simultaneous rotation of the coating; and wrapping 13 elements in conjunction with the control tube feature in each of the coating shoes provides for a uniform application of the flowing coating material over a unit length of pipe traveled by the machine.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings, it being understood that any modification in the precise embodiment of the invention may be made within the scope of the following claim without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

A pipe coating and wrapping machine, comprising a frame, an annular coating material supply chamber carried by the frame and disposed around the pipe, a rotatable ring in said chamber providing a closure member for one side of the chamber, a second ring disposed around the pipe in spaced relation to the first mentioned ring, means interconnecting the rings for simultaneous movement thereof around the pipe, drive means for rotating at least one of the rings, a plurality of coating shoes carried by the second ring, and conduits interconnecting the shoes to the first mentioned ring to transfer coating material from the chamber to the shoes.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,176,452 I-Iubbell Mar. 21, 1916 1,718,757 Morris June 25, 1929 1,755,877 Janes Apr. 22, 1930 1,867,476 Rogers July 12, 1932 1,998,909 Rosener Apr. 23, 1935 2,027,704 Rosener Jan. 14, 1936 2,185,570 Ridley Jan. 2, 1940 2,344,264 Perrault Mar. 14, 1944 2,349,256 Evans May 23, 1944 2,359,751 Cummings et a1. Oct. 10, 1944 

